Welcome
It's been an honor to represent Shelburne for six years in the Vermont House. I'm very appreciative of the confidence that Shelburne voters have shown in me.
I'm disappointed that 4(!) negative attack mailings have been launched against me in the last four days. Unfortunately, a political action committee from Montpelier sent an inflammatory postcard to Shelburne residents that distorted my environmental record. It was illegal, because they didn't give me the timely notice required by Vermont law. We're all sick and tired of toxic partisan tactics.
The postcard contained distorted claims about my record. It was timed so that I wouldn't have an opportunity to respond to this misinformation. The facts are:
1. I voted for legislation to expand renewable energy and energy efficiency programs (S. 209, Roll Call Vote, 2/14/08)
2. I voted for legislation that protects our working landscape (H. 863, Roll Call Vote, 5/3/08)
3. I helped to write legislation that requires a full inspection of the safety of Vermont Yankee (S. 364)
I'm proud of my record. As Vice Chair of the House Natural Resources and Energy, I've helped build consensus on requiring long term transmission planning so that no town in the future should be blindsided by an urgent need to build a large transmission project, encouraging renewable energy at a lower cost than many states, and funding the Clean Energy Fund through payments from Vermont Yankee.
Rep. Robert Dostis, a Democrat from Waterbury, who chaired the House Natural Resources and Energy Committee from 2005 through 2008, said that "Joyce's work has been essential in bridging the gap between competing interests to achieve major improvements in Vermont energy and environmental policy."
Next year, the Legislature should focus on the biggest problem facing Vermont, the economy. Vermonters are suffering. The Legislature will be faced with difficult choices. As Vermont's Tax Commissioner during Vermont's last deep recession, I helped to guide Vermont through an economic storm. I downsized the Tax Department by 10%, without layoffs, while improving performance. This work for Governor Snelling and Governor Dean demonstrates my ability to stretch taxpayer dollars further, and to work across party lines to help Vermonters. I can make a real difference with forging practical solutions for Vermont.
If you'd life more information about my record, please check the rest of the website, call me at 985-2329, or email me at jerrecart@usa.net.
